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5 string: Lakland or Spector?

M

miffy

Oct 25, 2007
8
0
#1
Hey, I'm deciding on a new five string to suit my needs, I play at church mostly gospel type stuff, I also play funk, r&b and all that jazz as well as the odd rock song.

I'm in Sydney, Australia by the way, so I'm limited as to what I have to choose from.. ordering anything from the US is hell expensive too.

Right now i'm thinking either a Lakland 55-02 (maybe 55-01) or a Spector Rebop 5 DLX ... are these instruments comparable? Good for my type of music?

Any other recommendations around that price range (cheaper if possible!) would be appreciated...

this might help: http://www.basscentre.com.au/

Thanks
 
#2
Hi Miffy,
for that type of music, I'd also check out MTD's Kingston series, for example the KZ. I don't know how things are priced down under, but my guess is it's slightly cheaper than the (absolutely good!) suggestions you have.
 
#6
Not sure about the Spector but I struggled with the 35" scale on a Lakland for about a year before I gave up and went to back to a 34". With that said I really miss the B string on the Lakland because what I have now (warwick) not does not even compare.

So that should be a consideration. I found I had to play it a lot for it to affect me. But in then end reaching 4 or more frets on another string was just something I dreaded. So I went back to a bass with 34" scale and that was the problem. Great instruments other than that.
 
#7
For me, the 5th string is more troublesome than the 35 scale.

I already have a couple of basses tuned DGCF which I love. That gets me most of the range I need.

I just bit down and ordered one of the new MXR octave pedals. We'll see how that goes. Clearly, I'm doing everything I can to avoid wrangling with a fiver. Either out of good sense or desperation, take your pick.
 
#10
Thanks for the suggestions guys!

@ rockstarbassist: pretty sure the rebop is part of the euro line (cheap end). It's definately not legend.

I know the bass people have an MTD ZX5 for a similar price to those other basses. How does that compare?

BTW, I want a 35" scale...
 
#11
rockstarbassist said:
I'd say the Spector Euro line is more comparable to the 55-02, IME.
The Legends are nice, even the higher end versions, but nothing like the USA and Euro Spectors.
Click to expand...

The OP is looking at a Rebop, which is a Euro bass. It's just a bolt-on neck instead of a neck-thru. Still looks, feels, and sounds like a good Spector. Construction is just as top-notch as the neck-thru models, I've owned both. I actually prefer the Rebop due to the weight. To me, it compares very favorably to the 55-02.

Now all that said, I'm not sure how the Rebop would fare in a gospel setting. It depends how aggressive you like your bass tone, as the Spector can get really, really growly. The Lakland is much smoother and probably a little more versatile than a Spector. The Lakland can do the "step out front" thing as well as blending into the background, where the Spector really stays "out front", if that makes any sense. If you like a nice, deep, growly tone that cuts right through any mix, no matter how dense, go with the Spector. If you need more versatility than that, go with the Lakland. Also, the Lakland has 19mm string spacing where a Spector has 17mm spacing. So, if you don't like narrow string spacing, the Spector may be a bit too cramped for you.

In my case, I have a hard time finding "my tone" on a Lakland. I greatly prefer Spectors, but I also see why so many people are nuts about their Laklands. I prefer the string spacing of the Lakland, but I prefer the Spector tone so much that I decided to adjust to the narrower spacing and now the spacing doesn't bother me at all. In terms of build quality, I don't really think you go wrong either way. They are both top notch, build-wise. But, they really do sound very different from each other. The previously mentioned MTD Kingston line is also worth a very close look for that style.
 
#12
Double Agent said:
The OP is looking at a Rebop, which is a Euro bass. It's just a bolt-on neck instead of a neck-thru. Still looks, feels, and sounds like a good Spector. Construction is just as top-notch as the neck-thru models, I've owned both. I actually prefer the Rebop due to the weight. To me, it compares very favorably to the 55-02.

Now all that said, I'm not sure how the Rebop would fare in a gospel setting. It depends how aggressive you like your bass tone, as the Spector can get really, really growly. The Lakland is much smoother and probably a little more versatile than a Spector. The Lakland can do the "step out front" thing as well as blending into the background, where the Spector really stays "out front", if that makes any sense. If you like a nice, deep, growly tone that cuts right through any mix, no matter how dense, go with the Spector. If you need more versatility than that, go with the Lakland. Also, the Lakland has 19mm string spacing where a Spector has 17mm spacing. So, if you don't like narrow string spacing, the Spector may be a bit too cramped for you.

In my case, I have a hard time finding "my tone" on a Lakland. I greatly prefer Spectors, but I also see why so many people are nuts about their Laklands. I prefer the string spacing of the Lakland, but I prefer the Spector tone so much that I decided to adjust to the narrower spacing and now the spacing doesn't bother me at all. In terms of build quality, I don't really think you go wrong either way. They are both top notch, build-wise. But, they really do sound very different from each other. The previously mentioned MTD Kingston line is also worth a very close look for that style.
Click to expand...

Though the ReBop is technically a Euro Spector I find it's sound to be very different from the "typical" Spector tone. The Euro LXs and I assume the USAs (never played one before) have a more full-bodied, more aggressive, and more versatile tone than the ReBops IMO. Don't get me wrong. I dig Rebops; In fact if it weren't for the ReBop I wouldn't be playing Spectors at all! But, they don't really have the the booty that the higher end one have and that's what you want for gospel.

I took my old ReBop to church once and it did ok but my Euro works so much better for it. The thing with Gospel is that there is sometimes a kot going on, between the choir, the choir/praise leaders, drummer, keyboard/organ (or both!), and sometimes guitar, percussion, and horns, you've got A LOT to compete with. While blending in will get the job done, I think the bass is something that should stand out in modern/urban gospel... then again what doesn't, lol!

As far as versatility while it's probably true that the Lakland does a better job of it, I find that I can get everything I need from my Spector by simply adjusting how close to either the neck or bridge I play. I most play jazz and funk and it works perfectly for both.

You may also want to consider the electronics. If I recall correctly, Laklands are 3-band boost/cut with blend and volume while Spectors are 2 band boost only with 1 volume per pickup which is definitely an acquired taste so expect to play around a bit before you find your sound. I did and it paid off.

Granted, I have only played one Lakland and I've never owned one so my opinion will be biased, lol. However, I really think you want a Spector Euro 5LX (even though it wasn't exactly one of your options...), you just don't know it yet :D.
 
#14
Double Agent said:
The OP is looking at a Rebop, which is a Euro bass. It's just a bolt-on neck instead of a neck-thru. Still looks, feels, and sounds like a good Spector. Construction is just as top-notch as the neck-thru models, I've owned both. I actually prefer the Rebop due to the weight. To me, it compares very favorably to the 55-02.

Now all that said, I'm not sure how the Rebop would fare in a gospel setting. It depends how aggressive you like your bass tone, as the Spector can get really, really growly. The Lakland is much smoother and probably a little more versatile than a Spector. The Lakland can do the "step out front" thing as well as blending into the background, where the Spector really stays "out front", if that makes any sense. If you like a nice, deep, growly tone that cuts right through any mix, no matter how dense, go with the Spector. If you need more versatility than that, go with the Lakland. Also, the Lakland has 19mm string spacing where a Spector has 17mm spacing. So, if you don't like narrow string spacing, the Spector may be a bit too cramped for you.

In my case, I have a hard time finding "my tone" on a Lakland. I greatly prefer Spectors, but I also see why so many people are nuts about their Laklands. I prefer the string spacing of the Lakland, but I prefer the Spector tone so much that I decided to adjust to the narrower spacing and now the spacing doesn't bother me at all. In terms of build quality, I don't really think you go wrong either way. They are both top notch, build-wise. But, they really do sound very different from each other. The previously mentioned MTD Kingston line is also worth a very close look for that style.
Click to expand...

I owned both also, and the Rebop 5 can't sniff the true "Euro" 5, or at least they couldn't when I had my NS5CRFM! Maybe the updated "Euro" models have dropped off that much.
My singer/guitarist for my original band has a Rebop 5 that he records with that I borrow to mix it up from my MTD 535 from time to time, and it's ok but I even prefer the Legend 5 I used to have compared to it.
 
#17
rockstarbassist said:
I owned both also, and the Rebop 5 can't sniff the true "Euro" 5, or at least they couldn't when I had my NS5CRFM! Maybe the updated "Euro" models have dropped off that much.
My singer/guitarist for my original band has a Rebop 5 that he records with that I borrow to mix it up from my MTD 535 from time to time, and it's ok but I even prefer the Legend 5 I used to have compared to it.
Click to expand...

I should state, for the record, that my Rebop is one of the newer ones with the flame-maple top (actually, almost 2/3 the body is maple and the other 1/3 is alder), its a Rebop DLX-FM (looks exactly like the one pictured here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]). I really believe that a maple body highly contributes alot to the Spector tone. Also, my Rebop has had active EMGs installed (40DC/40CS combo), which make a huge difference as well and makes it more of an authentic Spector as well. So, when I recommend the Rebop, I really should have some sort of disclaimer that none of the electronics on my Rebop are stock. That said, I would still take a Rebop with stock electronics over a 55-02.

RSB, I don't think its that the Euro line has "fallen off" as much as the newer generation of Rebops, the ones with the maple or zebrano tops, are really much, much better than the first generation, which were all alder bodies. Upgrading the electronics to active EMGs makes a big difference in the tone as well. If the OP goes with Rebop, I would definitely recommend upgrading the pickups, possibly the preamp as well (EMG BQS system in mine is fantastic). I also had an NS5CRFM and an NS4CRFM in the recent past and my Rebop compares favorably to both of them. Maybe mine is a "special" one, who knows? But it definitely sounds like a Spector to me.
 
#18
miffy said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys!

@ rockstarbassist: pretty sure the rebop is part of the euro line (cheap end). It's definately not legend.
Click to expand...

I certainly wouldn't call the Euro "cheap end" :rollno:

I've just switched from a 55-02 to a Euro 5LX and the Spector is a lot easier for my hands. Mainly due to the string spacing and neck profile. The 35" scale becomes much less of an issue with the Spector neck profile. As far as the B goes, the Spector pips the Lakland but only just and I think a lot of it is down to the neck-thru construction and also the ACG pre-amp that is in it. The ACG is amazing and I'd recommend one to anyone looking for an upgrade pre especially with EMG pups.

Gigging the Euro 5 tomorrow for the first time :hyper:
 
#19
Double Agent said:
I should state, for the record, that my Rebop is one of the newer ones with the flame-maple top (actually, almost 2/3 the body is maple and the other 1/3 is alder), its a Rebop DLX-FM (looks exactly like the one pictured here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]). I really believe that a maple body highly contributes alot to the Spector tone. Also, my Rebop has had active EMGs installed (40DC/40CS combo), which make a huge difference as well and makes it more of an authentic Spector as well. So, when I recommend the Rebop, I really should have some sort of disclaimer that none of the electronics on my Rebop are stock. That said, I would still take a Rebop with stock electronics over a 55-02.

RSB, I don't think its that the Euro line has "fallen off" as much as the newer generation of Rebops, the ones with the maple or zebrano tops, are really much, much better than the first generation, which were all alder bodies. Upgrading the electronics to active EMGs makes a big difference in the tone as well. If the OP goes with Rebop, I would definitely recommend upgrading the pickups, possibly the preamp as well (EMG BQS system in mine is fantastic). I also had an NS5CRFM and an NS4CRFM in the recent past and my Rebop compares favorably to both of them. Maybe mine is a "special" one, who knows? But it definitely sounds like a Spector to me.
Click to expand...

^^

That's probably it then. His is the standard EMG-HZ, basic, no frills no nothing extra ReBop.

I admittedly haven't played one of the nicer, new "Deluxe" models, with the active DC's, upgraded body woods, etc. But without even touching one I can see how they're a ton more comparable at that/this point for sure, which is a good thing! :)
 
#20
Lots of good information on this topic. Most of the Laklands I have tried are all modern sounding with lots of twang and string clarity, while the Spector's are generally thicker sounding. I put that on the numerous single coil at the neck position and the humbucker towards the bridge for most Laklands. Most of the Spector have EMG DC40's which are beefy sounding throughout with good clarity for pick playing.

The spacing on a Spector Euro/American model is wider than your average 5 string, but not so much that it is harder to play. The spacing on a Lakland is much wider - for me, I could still handle it. The Rebops honestly have more twang and snap than the Neck-Thru Euros and USA Spectors. The Rebops are still nice, but the neck-thru models are just perfect for finger style thickness.

Basscentral.com is one of the best places to go for Spectors. Check them out. They can give you a good deal.

For worship music, I think a good thick tone would be great because you would stay in the lows and low mid range which will not bug the signers and other people in the group. I think a twangy bass would collide with many voices.
 

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